HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Waynesboro hosts Big Spring in season finale

Friday night's matchup between Waynesboro and Big Spring is a tale of two struggling teams.

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By Lee Goodwin

Waynesboro Record Herald - Waynesboro, PA

By Lee Goodwin

Posted Nov. 1, 2012 at 9:22 AM
Updated Nov 1, 2012 at 9:35 AM

By Lee Goodwin

Posted Nov. 1, 2012 at 9:22 AM
Updated Nov 1, 2012 at 9:35 AM

WAYNESBORO — Friday night's matchup between Waynesboro and Big Spring is a tale of two struggling teams.

Both would love to close out disappointing 2012 seasons with wins, and, as is the case with two teams in the midst of tough campaigns, confidence and execution are keys to victory. The Indians and Bulldogs will be looking for any advantage (penalty, turnover, big play) to give the an edge in this Mid-Penn Colonial Division game.

In the end, it's a pride game. And, with the visitation of Hurricane Sandy this week, field conditions could also could come into play, making things challenging for Waynesboro's spread offense, which operates out of the shotgun rather than lining up with the quarterback directly behind the center.

"Lots of emotion this week," Waynesboro coach Scott Shacreaw said of this week's season finale. "The last game for seniors on both sides. I think you watch these guys and they will be playing inspired, passionate football."

Big Spring held its own against division-leading Shippensburg a week ago, losing 20-0. Waynesboro lost for the fifth straight time last Friday against Greencastle-Antrim. In that game, Indian running back Johnnie Adgers eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau for the second season in a row. But he injured an ankle on the first play of the second quarter and did not return. He is questionable for Friday.

If Adgers isn't available, the Tribe will get a glimpse of the future as freshman Brett Mohn — who has primarily been used as a return specialist — will take the handoffs from quarterback Aaron Conrad.

The one thing Waynesboro can expect from Big Spring is the unexpected.

"Last week they came out in a 3-5 versus Shippensburg, which was uncharacteristic for them," Shacreaw said. "Big Spring is a team that has had a rough season but has stayed in the game with some tough opponents. They went through a coaching change midseason and has shown that they are willing to do just about anything to keep an opponent offbalance."

Big Spring's lone win of the season came on Oct. 5 against James Buchanan (28-6). Waynesboro also defeated the Rockets, winning 48-20 on Sept. 21. It was also the last time the Indians won this season.

"Offensively, we have got to hold on to the football," Shacreaw said. "It looks like it is going to be a pretty sloppy game. I think whoever forces the most turnovers will win this game.

"With that said, defensively we have to force turnovers. On top of that we have got to get off the field. It seemed that the past few weeks we have played 75 percent of the snaps very good from a defensive standpoint and the 25 percent of the time we had a breakdown. Consistency is key."

Big Spring is led by senior quarterback Isaiah Grier along with running backs Hunter Kotzmoyer and Kyle Keen. Keen has rushed for 377 yards and Kotzmoyer isn't far behind at 346 yards. Grier has completed 47 of 124 passes for 890 yards. Wide receiver Tyler Pion has 20 catches for four touchdowns and Kotzmoyer has 15 receptions for a team-high 378 yards and four TDs.